Most affordable American universities for European students

Aurora

• 11 min read
Most affordable American universities for European students
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Did you know the US government hosts the highest number of international students worldwide? Sounds interesting? Well, the top-tier US universities have much more to offer than quality education. From cultural diversity to excellent internship programs, these universities are equipped with the latest technology to provide the best career opportunities to students globally. 

But are there any affordable study opportunities in the United States for Europeans? Well, yes! The universities and educational institutes here offer exclusive scholarship and funding programs for European students to help them make this transition smooth and profitable. 

Along with that, you get the chance to complete your education at the best universities in the world. Even the statistics show that out of 100 top universities, around 33 belong to this country. Moreover, students can enjoy the authentic campus culture that the teams, clubs, sports, and extracurricular activities create. You get the opportunity of all-around development when you enrol in a US university to complete your higher education. 

Why Study in the USA? 

Have you ever wondered why the USA continues to dominate the world of education and has been the most preferred country for completing higher studies? Students all over the world aspire to achieve their education in the top universities in the USA, as this country offers a plethora of job opportunities to international students. Some of the reasons for selecting the USA universities are:

Top-Notch Education System 

One of the primary reasons for selecting the USA as the final destination for learning is their world-class education. From top-tier colleges and universities to the best faculty, you get the opportunity to learn from the best. This country has over 5,000 educational institutes and universities that have been dominating the QS world rankings, too. Some Ivy League universities here include Harvard University, Yale University, Columbia University, Princeton University, University of Pennsylvania, Brown University, Dartmouth College, Cornell University, etc.

Finest Degrees 

A dream career needs the assistance of the best faculty along with a transforming curriculum and excellent academic qualities. These can be developed with time, provided you get the opportunity to enrol in the top-ranking universities in the world. Among the renowned universities, the ones in the USA have helped millions of aspirants to find exceptional career opportunities globally. Some of the finest degrees offered in these universities include Social Science, Business Management, Legal Studies, Engineering, Medical Science, Computer Science, Journalism and Mass Communication, Fine & Applied Arts, etc.

High ROI

Education is no longer an affordable affair, especially when you aspire to establish a flourishing career abroad. However, US universities are known for offering affordable education along with lucrative internships and job opportunities. Overall, it is a win-win investment for the students as you get a high ROI on your education investment. Always select the universities based on ROI, which can help you get jobs with high security and pay off your student loans while sustaining your life efficiently without any financial crunch.

Excellent Support & Cultural Diversity 

US universities are always keen on making an effort to make the transition smooth for their international students. They offer various English-language practice courses, workshops, training, etc., to the students to help them get through the courses. They provide excellent opportunities for graduates from STEM fields and even offer extended stays till 24 months to get appropriate work experience. They also take great pride in welcoming students from all over the world, promoting cultural diversity. 

With a highly flexible learning environment, optimised classroom experiences, incredible research and training opportunities, and cutting-edge technology, there is no secret that US universities are excellent choices for completing higher education.

Factors to Consider for Affordability

What comes to mind while shortlisting the right university for your higher education? Expenses, location, and reputation of the college are a few topics that are always high on your priority list. At the same time, you look for a better education partner for a flourishing career. Somehow, affordability becomes the sole criterion when planning to study in the top US university as a European student. Therefore, here are a few factors to consider: making your higher education within a strict budget and finding budget-friendly American colleges for European students. 

Which School Type Are You? 

There are two main kinds of higher education centres in the USA: public and private. The US government primarily funds public institutes. On the other hand, the private ones are funded by donations, grants, alumni contributions, and endowments. The public ones will have larger student bodies and are also known for offering more diversity in educational curricula and programs than the private ones. Although the private ones have attractive scholarships for international students, the public ones provide affordable education. 

Financial Aid: The Perfect Help 

Scholarships and financial aid are ideal for international students to cover their expenses in foreign lands. The reason why US universities are attracting vast numbers of international students is due to the availability of such funding opportunities like the Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program, Foreign Fulbright Student Program, Yale University Scholarships, Amherst College scholarships, Berea College scholarships, Fulbright scholarships, ACI Foundation Scholarship, Clark Global Scholarship Program, Illinois Wesleyan University Scholarships, etc. 

Which Program Type Did You Choose? 

To get a fair estimation of your total tuition fees, consider the type of program you select. Depending on the length and ranking of your program, the costs differ significantly. Typically, the bachelor's program tends to be less expensive than a master's degree program in US universities. 

Apart from these factors, the mode of teaching, residency status, employer tuition assistance, location, etc., can be some of the determining attributes to take into account when shortlisting an affordable college for your higher education.

Affordable American Universities

Now that you know how to find an affordable university, let’s prepare a list of the cost-effective American universities for European students:

California State University

Set in San Bernardino, this one is known to be one of the most economical American universities for international students. It has a massive list of undergraduate, graduate, and online educational courses. Typically, the undergraduate course fees are around $17,221, while it is $8,858 for graduate programs yearly. It offers numerous programs, including Arabic, Criminal Justice, Art History, Asian Studies, Biology, etc. Some of the courses include Master of Science [M.S] in Healthcare Management, Master of Science [M.S] in Information Systems, Bachelor of Arts [B.A] in Graphic Design or Visual Communication, Bachelor of Arts [B.A] in Fashion, Fiber and Materials, etc. The CSU Foundation Scholarships, CSU International Programs Scholarships, CSU Summer Arts Scholarships, California Pre-Doctoral Program (Sally Casanova Scholars), etc. are a few scholarships available for international students. 

Southeast Missouri State University

Southeast Missouri State University is one of Missouri's top budget-friendly US colleges for European students. Typically, the undergraduate courses here are offered at annual fees of $15,585, while it is $ 11,938.5 for the graduate programs. With more than 75 graduate programs and 145 undergraduate majors, this can be your ideal destination. Some of the programs offered here include BSBA Core Courses, Communication Disorders Graduate, MBA Core Courses, Theatre And Dance, Computer Science Undergraduate, etc. You can apply for scholarships here, like the Southeast Nonresident Alumni Award, International Academic Excellence Award, International Academic Achievement Award, International Student Scholarship- Freshmen, International Student Scholarship – Transfer, International Student Scholarship – Graduate, etc. 

University of Wisconsin

The next on this list is the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin's oldest and largest university. It is one of the best inexpensive US higher education choices for Europeans as it offers courses with tuition fees of around $20,802 for each semester. The courses available here include Accounting and Information Systems, Agronomy, Anatomy & Physiology, Anesthesiology, Biomolecular Chemistry, Cell and Regenerative Biology, Counseling Psychology, Design Studies, Educational Policy Studies, English as a Second Language, Farm and Industry Short Course, Finance, Investment and Banking, Genetic Counselor Studies, Human Development and Family Studies, Interdisciplinary Courses (Engineering), Journalism and Mass Communication, Life Sciences Communication, etc. The scholarships available for international students are the King-Morgridge Scholars Program, Western Union Scholarship, etc. 

Tips for Applying and Securing Financial Aid

How do you plan to manage your expenses while studying in the US? Studying in any foreign university can be expensive if you do not find budget-friendly options or fail to secure the financial aid available for international students. So, before you start preparing the list of the most affordable American universities for European students, here are some easy ways to get a scholarship to cover your tuition and other expenses:

  • The first step has to include thorough research of the availability of the best funding options for international students. Shortlist the top-ranking US universities known for offering different kinds of scholarships to their international aspirants. 
  • Merit-based scholarships and financial aid are available based on your achievements, talent, and excellence in your selected line of work. It is essential to check the eligibility criteria thoroughly before applying for these programs. Also, since these are highly competitive, you must work on your academic record. Remember to showcase your extracurricular achievements and unique talents to bag the aid. 
  • Find the low-tuition American colleges for European learners keen on offering financial aid depending on the country. Some colleges have special programs and funding options meant solely for European students.
  • Also, apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile based on your requirements. These aids are available to the ones who require help due to their family’s financial situation. 
  • You can also consider work-study options that will help you with your expenses while garnering appropriate experience and skills to help you get jobs post-study. 

Cost of Living in the USA 

One of the crucial points to consider when you decide to pursue higher education in a foreign land is none other than your budget. What will be the cost of living in the USA while you complete your bachelor's or master's degree? This common question bothers every young mind dreaming of a flourishing career in the US. As per the studies, the total estimated cost of living for an international student in this country is around $10,000 to $18,000 yearly. It is approximately $1,000 - $1,500 monthly.

Typically, the living costs include tuition fees, accommodation, room rent, food, travelling expenses, textbooks, clothing, entertainment, etc. There can be different personal and other miscellaneous expenditures which need to be considered while estimating your stay in the country.

Let's get an overview of the possible expenses of an international student in the US:

  • The study materials cost around $900 - $2,000 per year, while travelling can range from $300 - $700 annually.
  • The accommodation costs can vary from $9,800 to $11,100 per year, where electricity can be $100 to $150 per month, phone charges can be $50 per month, and internet charges can be around $45 to $50 per month.
  • Depending on your food choices, it might cost around $250 monthly on campus, while off-campus, it can cost $400 - $600 per month.
  • Health Insurance is essential for every student, varying from $700 to $1,100 per year.
  • Water, trash and clothing can cost around $1500 yearly.
  • The average monthly expenses also vary depending on the region, like it is $3,300 in New York, $4,000 in California, $3316 in Boston, $4000 in San Francisco, $2200 in Atlanta, $2000 in New Orleans, $1300 in Philadelphia, $2500 in Seattle, $2000 in Texas, $1470 in Illinois. 

Also, staying on campus or off campus can change your budget drastically. The private colleges charge around $1,100 yearly, while the public universities charge $9,800 yearly for on-campus stays. If you choose to stay off-campus, it can vary from $450 to $3500 per month, depending on your rental preferences.

Conclusion

Now that you have a fair idea about selecting the cheapest American universities for overseas students let’s get a quick recap. Start with prioritising staying in the student dorms while you look for better financial aid to cover your tuition fees. Try engaging in group activities and expanding your network while on campus, which can help you get fair exposure to jobs and other career opportunities. Always look for student discounts when exploring the city, restaurants, and other places. So, no matter how challenging it gets, grab this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transition into adulthood and smoothly establish a rewarding career ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most affordable American universities for European students?

Some of the most affordable American universities for European students are Brigham Young University, Dakota State University, California State University, Bemidji State University, Alcorn State University, Southeast Missouri State University, City University of New York, Eastern New Mexico University, Nicholls State University, Florida Atlantic University, Minot State University, University of Wisconsin, Delta State University, Lynn University, Mississippi University for Women, Talladega College, Manhattanville College, Oklahoma Panhandle State University, Roosevelt University, University of Wisconsin, American University, etc.

Are there any scholarships available for European students in American universities?

Some of the scholarships and funding programs available for European students in the US are the Foreign Fulbright Student Program, Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program, AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship Program, Amherst College Scholarships, Berea College Scholarships, Clark University Scholarships, Colby-Sawyer College Scholarships, Concordia College Scholarships, Columbia College Scholarships, Dartmouth College Scholarships, East Tennessee State University, East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship, Emory College Scholarships, Illinois Wesleyan University Scholarships, Iowa State University International Merit Scholarships, Michigan State University International Scholarships, New York Univer- sity Wagner Scholarships, Oregon University Scholarships, Wesleyan University Scholarships, University of the West Scholarships, etc.

Can European students work while studying in American universities to support themselves financially?

Yes, the European students enrolled full-time in US universities can generally work on-campus for 20 hours weekly during their sessions. They can work 40 hours each week during the holidays. However, do check the strict rules imposed by the US government on their international students regarding work during their studies.

How can I compare the tuition fees of different American universities for European students?

Start comparing the courses and their tuition fees as offered by the public and private universities in the States. It gives you a fair understanding of the living expenses in both types of institutions here. Generally, the tuition fees range from $5,000 to $50,000 annually. However, there are other parameters to consider here, like the college or university's reputation, location, course type, duration, off-campus or on-campus stay, scholarships, etc.

What are the living expenses like for European students studying in the United States?

The overall estimated cost of living in the US can vary from $1000 to $1500 monthly. However, it can go up to $45000 yearly depending on your choice of living, travel and leisure expenses, availability of scholarships and funding aids, etc.

Are there any financial aid options, such as grants or loans, available for European students pursuing higher education in the United States?

More than 100,000 funding schemes and scholarships are available for European students in the US. Some of the schemes available are Free Application for Federal Student Aid, international student loans, etc. Organisations like the Fulbright Commission, World Health Organization, Soros Foundation, the World Council of Churches, AMIDEAST, The United Nations, etc., are known for offering unique funding options to international students to fulfil their career aspirations in the top colleges in the world.

How do European students go about finding affordable housing options near their chosen American universities?

There are multiple housing options available for European students in America. Some of the options include university dorms, private student housing, etc. However, to find affordable living space around your university, consider researching the area to understand which place will be ideal and safe for a prolonged stay. Also, ask for referrals from your faculty or friends to get better accommodations and use your student discount options to get affordable living choices within your budget.